A message from Larry Oberdorf

The year is quickly approaching being half over. The other morning I was listening to the Christian radio station and they mentioned the number of days till Christmas. I thought Christmas we have not even gotten to the end of school yet. We all live in a society that is constantly looking to the future, looking for the faster computer and any gadget that will help us live life quicker. As a child I remember my parents telling me to not wish my life away. They always said that as I got older that time would move quicker. I never believed them until now.

My daughter is going to kindergarten in the fall and as I sit here writing this I remember the night she was born just like it happened yesterday. I do not know about you other parents that have went through your children advancing to different milestones in their lives or if you are a parent going through this particular milestone now. But I am telling you that I am having a hard time letting my little girl grow up. I mean I am not going to be there to protect her. Then I remember that God gave Christine and I this little miracle and that I have to trust that God will watch over her and protect her. Christine and I were talking the other day and Christine told me that we have to let her grow up and even help her to grow up. God gave us Kierstyn to raise and the hard part of raising a child is equipping them to grow. The question to me is how can I let her grow and yet protect her also. The only answer that I can come up with is to teach her to know what is right and wrong and that it is ok to make mistakes. Children are the best gift that God gives us and also the most challenging gift. Now I image parents of teenagers that are reading this are saying Larry you just wait and see. I am not saying that raising a child is ever easy or that every milestone will be difficult. I am simply saying that children are a gift from God. We as children of God are gifts to one another. I am also saying that it is important that we take one day at a time and thank God for that one day. To live in the PRESENT because it is a gift from God.

I am constantly trying to figure out ways to do things better and faster. One of my challenges has been family ministry. I want it to grow and to grow fast. However, it has not so now I have been praying about this and am working on some new ideas. In my Real Estate business I am always working hard to get the listing and get them sold. However, in todays market that is not easy either. When I struggle with the fast pace of life I sit down and journal, talk with my wife and friends and look at scripture for guidance. In one conversation last week a friend shared a Psalm with me that spoke to me clearly. It was Psalm 13 I encourage you to look at it and read it and reflect upon it. The Lord is always here for us even and especially in the midst of the fast pace of today’s society. I am trusting in God for his grace and guidance and this next milestone in my family is quickly approaching. I ask that you to trust God and ask for his guidance in any and all things you are going through.

God Bless You,
Larry

Back to the Staff Page